Chapter 2 He's On Board

A sudden cough tore out of Jasper, his composure cracking as he staggered back. "Hold on-what did you just say?"

Heat rushed through Kiera as she lowered her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "What I'm trying to say is... if marriage is on your mind... maybe you could choose me."

Shame painted her cheeks red, and her eyes refused to lift to meet his.

The moment she'd confirmed with the police officer that Jasper had never been married, she'd made her decision.

Yet now, standing this close to him, all that determination drained away.

The silence between them grew unbearable, pressing down until her chest ached with dread.

Doubt crashed over her, making her wonder if her words had been nothing but foolishness.

She stumbled for a way out, blurting, "I'm sorry; did I frighten you? I shouldn't have said-"

"Give me a reason," he cut in.

Her lashes flicked up in confusion. "What?"

His eyes fixed on her, unyielding. "Tell me why you want to marry me."

Her throat tightened, but she answered plainly, "The thing is... I need to get married. And I think you're a decent man."

"Decent? That's how you see me?" Jasper echoed with a low, teasing laugh.

Confusion twisted Kiera's expression. What part of that was wrong? He had dragged her back from death itself-how could she call him anything less?

Then Jasper's voice dropped to something firm and certain. "I'm on board."

Kiera froze, unable to believe him.

"I'll marry you." His gaze didn't flinch. "But what about the groom you stood beside earlier?"

He actually accepted? Light seemed to burst inside Kiera, and her eyes shone like stars. "You don't have to worry about that. We never signed anything. I ended it with him before coming here! You'll be my only husband."

Digging into her bag, she pulled out a bank card and pressed it against his palm. "Take it. This belongs to you. The code's four zeros. Use it however you like."

Jasper froze in place, blindsided by her sudden move. He was about to refuse, yet the card was already tucked into his pocket before he could react.

"You've been wearing yourself out," Kiera said with quiet conviction. "With this money, you won't have to burn the midnight oil. Take a few days off and look for an easier job."

Looking down at the oil-stained coveralls clinging to him, Jasper realized she had mistaken him for just another mechanic.

No one had ever learned who he really was, so it was no surprise the police had failed to uncover the truth.

Still, when he caught the bright hope flickering in her gaze, he only arched a brow and gave the slightest nod. "Fine. I appreciate it."

"Of course." Kiera's lips curved into a smile. "I should get going. Let's go register our marriage tomorrow at one."

She walked away with an easy stride, her spirits lifted as if she carried none of the weight of the night.

Not long after, Walter Reed, Jasper's friend, appeared, spotting her as she disappeared into the distance. "Jasper, do you even know that woman?"

"My wife-to-be," said Jasper without hesitation.

Walter's eyes widened. "Hold on-you're serious about her?"

"We're getting married tomorrow," Jasper responded without pause.

"You've got to be kidding!" Walter stared at him in disbelief.

"Starting from now, I'm just another worker here," Jasper continued evenly. "And if anyone asks questions, don't reveal anything about me."

Still reeling, Walter bobbed his head. "Y-yeah, sure."

With that, Jasper left in quiet satisfaction, while Walter stood rooted to the ground, unable to process what he had just heard.

By the next morning, Kiera stood outside what had once been her dream home-purchased by Brad, decorated with her own hands. Every appliance, every corner had cost her nearly all her savings.

Standing tall in the doorway, she gave the order. "Clear it all out."

The movers swarmed in, detaching chandeliers and carrying off the giant television.

Her gaze landed on the oversized picture of her and Brad hanging above the sofa. Without hesitation, she gripped a baseball bat and swung.

The shattering glass echoed through the house as the frame split clean down the center.

Brad came charging from the kitchen, his face pale with shock. "Put a stop to this right now!"

He shoved past the movers, ripping the bat from her grasp. His fury shook the walls as he roared, "What the hell do you think you're doing?"